Medical device stolen from vehicle, mysteriously returned to rightful owners

Westmoreland County family returned home one week after crime to find item on doorstep

Robert and Linda Baum were shopping in Westmoreland County March 9 when they realized someone had broken into their van and stolen their camera bag. Inside the bag wasn't a camera, but an expensive medical device that keeps Robert's heart beating and keeps him alive.

"I never thought anyone would bring it back. I thought somebody probably threw it in a dumpster somewhere when they knew they couldn't do anything with it," Linda Baum said Friday.

Friday afternoon, when Linda returned to the couple's Unity Township home, the camera bag and all of its contents were in her mud room.

Robert, 72, was working on his truck at a nearby auto body shop when Linda called to tell him the news.

"It felt good. There's somebody honest out there," he said.

UPMC Presbyterian Hospital loaned the Baums a spare device until the stolen one reappeared or the Baums were able to purchase a new one. They sell for upwards of $25,000, and the Baums were worried their insurance wouldn't have covered it if it was stolen.

The Baums may never find out if the thief or a good Samaritan returned the device.

"Just thanks, whoever returned it," Robert said.

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